Stafford's Confederate Year

Clifton Chapel

Clifton Chapel was built in the 1850s and provided a convenient place to worship for Widewater residents when poor weather conditions made travel to Aquia Church impossible. The chapel occupied a hill overlooking the Potomac River. With few trees in the area, the chapel offered an excellent observation post. It served as the site of “Camp Clifton,” the headquarters and “camp of instruction” for the 47th Virginia Infantry. It was probably used as a safe house by Virginia spies and couriers in at least the war’s first year. (picture: Today, Clifton Chapel is used by the St. Herman of Alaska Russian Orthodox Church)